Heart Pillow Benefits Breast Cancer Patients

As director of the Volunteer Service and Guest Relations at Sibley Memorial Hospital, I am very proud that our volunteers have contributed more than 32,000 hours of service to the community.

We are celebrating our 50th year of service. Sibley began its Service Corps in 1959 and continues to grow with 300 volunteers, including many summer interns.

This year we have begun the Sibley Heart Pillow Project, which benefits breast cancer patients. The heart-shaped pillow we created for use after surgery fits comfortably under the arm. The pillow relieves pain from the surgical incision, protects against accidental bumps, helps ease edema, and relieves shoulder tension. The heart pillow is given immediately to patients postoperatively to aid in recuperation.

Sibley volunteers, employees, and family members have all joined in this worthwhile project. Some of us sew the pillows, others stuff, and many others donate material and money to the project.

The heart pillow provides many benefits. It gives women, families, and patients the opportunity to help in a positive way and to focus on doing something good for, and connecting, with other breast cancer patients. With this gift, they know they are not alone and others are thinking of them.I am proud to be a part of this worthwhile endeavor.